Date A Live Encore - Volume 5 - Chapter 3

Silver Astray

“…………”

The sound of his heartbeat was far more audible than usual.

Itsuka Shidou desperately pressed his hand against his chest, trying to suppress the palpitations instigated by his heart. 

Of course, because of his bones, flesh and clothes, it was impossible for the sound his heartbeat to leak into the outside world. However, for Shidou right now, he thought of it as nothing else but an alarm warning him of the existence of “predators”. 

That’s right. Shidou was currently the equivalent of an herbivore trapped in an inescapable cage. 

──Absolute despair. If it was only an herbivore locked away in a cage, then it may be view as for care, admiration, or possibly even for potential research. However, when locked away together with a ferocious carnivore────that herbivore would have a different name. 

That is to say, bait.

Or──meat.

“…………”

While conscious of this situation, a lingering gaze was felt coming from behind──his body trembled.

Needless to say, the temperature was as low as the interior of a refrigerator. Both his shoulders and fingertips were shaking uncontrollably. However, the tremors striking his body were not simply because it was cold.

Fear. What Shidou faced was a primitive and instinctual fear that all creatures felt. The roots of his teeth began to chatter. 

──A cold hand touched his shoulder.

“………!”

That moment. Shidou screamed a lamentful cry as his body began to cower.

However, the merciless predators were not concerned about such matters as they continued to approach him little by little.

“Ah……ah……”

While letting out a weak voice, Shidou recalled how things transpired like this.

◇

──Returning time back to a few hours ago.

“Ohh! This is amazing!”

The moment after exiting the car, Tohka raised her voice in surprise as she looked around.

With the tips of her night shaded hair swaying, Tohka opened her crystal-like pair of eyes as she jumped in excitement.

Of course, such enthusiasm wasn’t difficult to imagine. After all, Shidou and the others’ surroundings were covered by a world of silver as far as the eyes could see.

Right now, Shidou and the others were at a ski resort that was about a five hour car drive from Tenguu City.

Yes. Shidou and the others had decided to use this day off to go skiing together. 

The surrounding wilderness and mountains were coated by a beautiful blanket of snow that glistened in the sunlight. It was a fantasy-like landscape that produced the illusion of being in a movie.

Even Shidou felt that impression. Therefore, it was natural for Tohka and the others to be moved by seeing such gorgeous scenery. 

“Ho! How beautiful! Kuku……this stained canvas, my own footprints are left behind.”

“Prevent. Will not allow you to succeed. Look here.”

Yuzuru latched onto Kaguya just as she was about to take a step forward.

“Ah, Yuzuru. What are you doing!”

“Smile. Negligence is one’s greatest enemy.”

“Ah, it’s too sly for only two people to be flirting! We should all be mixed in together!”

“……!? Wait, why also me──”

Besides Tohka, the other Spirits also began to frolic in this pure white landscape. Miku tried to enter the skirmish between the Yamai Sisters while pulling Natsumi away from the spectating sidelines at the same time.

“Really……”

Watching on from behind, Shidou’s younger sister, Kotori, gave a helpless shrug. While shaking the Chupa Chups in her mouth, she breathed out a sigh.

“It good to be energetic, but don’t overdo it, alright? Snowy mountains are still very dangerous.”

“Umu, I understand. Look, Kotori, how beautiful! The snow is so soft!”

“Kuha, Tohka! I won’t lose to you! Ohhhhhhhhh!”

“Oh, how amazing, Kaguya!”

“……Did you really understand what I just said?”

Kotori helplessly sighed while scratching her head. Looking on at this, Shidou forced a smile. Incidentally, Kotori had been astutely reading a guidebook filled with sticky notes during the minibus ride here.

“What is it?”

“No, it’s nothing──anyway, shall we head to where we are staying today? Let’s carry the luggage as soon as possible. Since we’ve come a long way, it would be a shame to let that slip up.”

While speaking, Shidou pointed forward. Over there was a beautiful cottage with a roof covered by a layer of snow.

“That’s right. Hey everyone, carry your own luggage.”

Kotori agreed while directing attention back to the inside of the bus. 

That’s right. Normally, this was a distance easily manageable by the aerial ship <Fraxinus>, but since it was now being repaired, a traversable minibus had been prepared by <Ratatoskr>. 

Despite this, everyone was not dissatisfied──rather it would be better to say that everyone enjoyed the rickety journey on the van.

“Yes, Shidou.”

While Shidou was thinking about this, a voice calling him was heard from behind. Taking a closer look, there was already a girl standing there with a Boston bag unnoticed. She had a doll-like face and hair reaching her shoulders. ──Tobiichi Origami.

She was Shidou’s classmate and also one of the Spirits whose powers were sealed by him. It seemed that in addition to her own luggage, she had also carried Shidou’s baggage as well.

“Ah, thank you, Origami.”

As Shidou took the bag and thanked her, he slanted his head and let out an “hmm” like sound. 

“Hey, Origami. There’s the feeling that my bag had been once opened……”

“There should be no such thing. I didn’t leave traces and the like──”

Halfway through her words, Origami wrinkled her brow. She had likely noticed the contents of what she was detailing. Just as Origami said, there were no traces left…….but just to be sure, he had asked and arrived at the correct conclusion.

“……Just like I thought.”

“As expected of Shidou. You to know so much about myself. It feels nice.”

“Don’t say things that will easily cause a misunderstanding……really.”

After that, Shidou opened his bag to confirm the contents inside. However, it seemed that nothing was missing or added.

“……There’s nothing strange.”

“Of course. I didn’t do anything.”

“Then why did you……”

“Information is power.”

“…………”

Being scared to listen to anything more than that, Shidou averted his eyes in silence.

“W-well then……does everyone have their luggage?”

While saying that, Shidou turned to look around. Then, in response to his question, each of the Spirits carrying a large container of luggage, gently nodded back.

Look at it again; it was quite the large household. Including Shidou, there was Tohka, Origami, Kotori, Kaguya, Yuzuru, Miku, Natsumi, and──

“Hmm? Where is Yoshino?”

While confirming everyone’s faces, Shidou twisted his neck. Yoshino’s figure was missing from the Spirits that were lined up.

“Mu, she seems to be…...”

“She was just here a moment ago.”

“Where on earth did she……ah, look, over there.”

Natsumi pointed towards the cottage as if noticing something. At that direction, there was a petite girl carrying a bag in her right hand and a rabbit doll with her left. That figure was waiting for everyone with a flushed face and glistened eyes.

“Everyone, let’s hurry……!”

“Hey, hey, faster──”

Yoshino and the puppet “Yoshinon” urged them hasten.

Speaking of which, this ski trip had begun due to Yoshino’s wishes. A few days ago, when asking everyone where they wanted to go for the vacation, Yoshino unusually pushed forward a request in hopes of going to the snowy mountains.

Yoshino was originally a Spirit with control over water and cold air. Perhaps, there was a similar connection felt here.

Seeing the always meek Yoshino reveal a rare look of excitement, everyone looked at each other and smiled. 

Afterwards an hour had passed. Each of them left their luggage in their rooms, as Shidou and the others changed into a multicolored variety of ski equipment and reconvened at the lift of the mountainside. 

Here was a gentle slope designed for beginners. Besides Shidou and his entourage, there were also other ski guests that seemed to have little experience.

“So……let’s try sliding first. Does everyone remember the general movement?”

Shidou spoke while directing his attention to the Spirits standing on the snowy slopes. In response, everyone gave a uniform nod back.

That’s right. Since there were too many people without experience, they had already reviewed the basics before coming here.

“Umu, no problem! Then, I’ll be off!”

Speaking while brimming with vigor, Tohka cut through the vanguard. Afterwards, she took out a large pair of goggles and pushed down her ski poles with enough force to leave two large marks on the pure white surface.

“Ohhhhhhhhhhhh──!”

With a cry of pure enjoyment, the view of Tohka’s back grew smaller and smaller. Although the movements were limited to a straightforward direction, she was sliding in manner not resembling that of a beginner. 

“Haha, how amazing. Even though this is still the first time.”

“Despite understanding the reason why, it’s still quite the fearless act.”

Responding back to Shidou was Kotori, who was standing right beside him. She was equipped with a red ski suit with black skis while looking down at the snowy slopes calmly. Again, this was a strange look for a beginner.

“Certainly. Tohka is really amazing in that regard.”

“Yeah. The ones who try to suddenly stop while scared are more dangerous. The most important thing is to be able to let go.”

While speaking, Kotori fearlessly raised the corners of her lips. 

However, after speaking, Kotori didn’t move from that spot.

“……So, does Kotori not want to slide?”

“……!”

As Shidou asked, Kotori sighed softly. Her face seemed to be completely stained red.

“I-I want to go. But, that, I need to watch over everyone as a commander of <Ratatoskr>……”

“It’s fine. The slope here is very gentle.”

“No, but.”

“Hmm? Perhaps Kotori can’t ski? My bad. I thought that since you went to your middle school skiing excursion, you could definitely……”

“……! I-I certain can! Look here!”

As if to cover up Shidou’s words, Kotori chimed from her throat as she fastened her goggles and grasped onto her ski poles. 
Then,

While exuding great amount of strength, she positioned her skis in the shape of the八 character and slowly, slowly descended down the slope──at a speed where it would faster walking down without using skis. 

“L-look! Just like this!”

“No, even if I were to say that……”

“Darling──!”

Just as Shidou smiled, a voice suddenly came from behind him──it was Miku.

“I’m a little scared after all. So please lend me your hand Darling……ah, wa, waaaaah!” 

Miku, who was slowly walking over, suddenly lost control of her balance on her skis. 

At the same time, in order to regain control, her hand jerked towards Kotori, who was nearby.

“Huh? W-wait──────ukiyaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Leaved behind such a scream, Kotori slid down the slopes at an ultra-high speed.

“K-Kotori!?”

“Ah, Kotori-san! Sorry!”

Although Miku apologized, her voice could no longer be heard by Kotori. At a speed that wouldn’t lose to even Tohka, Kotori faded away into the distance. Then, after reaching a relative flat plane, her balance stumbled as she came crashing down face first. 

“That girl......she doesn’t know how to be honest at all. I want to check up on her. Do you mind if I head out first?”

“Yes. Sliding slowly should be no problem. Go to Kotori-san, Darling.”

“Alright. Don’t force yourself.”

After saying that, Shidou slammed down his ski poles and slid down the snowy trail left behind by Kotori.

Although Shidou wasn’t talented at skiing, his body still remembered the instructions received from his previous school trip, so a beginner course should be fine enough to skate. In a short while, Shidou arrived beside Kotori, who was covered in snow.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“U-ugh……”

Kotori’s body swayed as she got up by grabbing Shidou’s hand for support. After dusting the snow off her body, she looked away with a sullen expression.

“……Fu, what? If you want to laugh, laugh already. The commander who has been boasting such grand words cannot slide through the snow. It’s ridiculous.”

“There’s no one who thinks that. Everyone has a weak point. Besides, everyone is skiing for the first time. Shouldn’t we be trying to skiing together?”

“Shidou……”

Listening to Shidou, Kotori murmured a little while crossing her arms as her face was slightly red.

“Yes, this is the first time for everyone──”

However, just as Kotori was speaking, Origami nimbly slid down the slope with the splendid form of an Alpine skier. 

Swish, sliding down her skis in an arc to stop in place and raising her goggles to take a breath in. It was a picturesque movement. 

“…………”

Looking on at this scene, Kotori’s slightly relaxed expression gradually became speechless. Shidou hurried to interject.

“H-hey, Origami was originally a member of the JGSDF’s AST, which means she should have exceled at all sorts of sports. Wouldn’t it be strange if she couldn’t do that?”

“……Y-yeah. I suppose if it was someone from JGSDF.”

Kotori nodded as if trying to convince herself. 

However, immediately after that, the Yamai sisters competed against each other while sliding down the skiing slope with snowboards.

Moreover, they weren’t just sliding down. They crafted a complex trajectory, sometimes rotating and sometimes drifting. Gorgeously, the two of them were symmetrically apart and landed at their goal at a synchronized pace. 

“Kaka, it seems that your skills haven’t deteriorated, Yuzuru.” 

“Agreement. The sharpness of Kaguya’s techniques has not fallen down as well.”

While saying that, the two of them bumped fists with each other.

“…………”

Gazing at that scene, Kotori grew more silent.

“K-Kotori? Think about it more carefully. Hey, haven’t Kaguya and Yuzuru competed in tons of games in the past? They probably already had a snowboarding competition.”

“……Eh, yes, that’s right. I know. It’s not surprising that those two can do that much……”

Kotori’s cheeks faintly twitched as she noticed something.

Then, while wearing “Yoshinon” on her left hand, Yoshino slid across with a snowboard just like Yamai sisters.

Because one hand was needed to carry “Yoshinon”, it was natural to choose a snowboard where one’s hands were not inhibited. However, the current wild style was a complete mismatch from the usual Yoshino. In that regard, Kotori couldn’t help but let out a silent “…….what!?” while holding her breath in.

Moreover, Yoshino was brilliantly controlling the snowboard despite using it for the first time; the skill of her expert movements would not lose to either Kaguya or Yuzuru as it drew in everyone’s attention. Seeing this performance, Tohka and the Yamai sisters clapped their hands in applause.

“How amazing, Yoshino! I didn’t know you could move like that!”

“T-that……well, it’s a similar feeling to getting on <Zadkiel>, so……”

“Fufu──on ice and snow Yoshino is invincible. Shall we try ice skating next time?”

While Yoshino seemed to be embarrassed, Yoshinon spoke boastfully.

“…………”

With a dejected look, Kotori fell silent once again.

“No, that, Kotori? You don’t need to look that gloomy……”

Just as Shidou was trying to comfort her, a scream just like Kotori’s echoed from the top of the slope.

“Gya──! Get out of the waaaaay!”

Accompanied by that noise, a bundle of snow tumbled down towards Kotori.

“What……”

Kotori, who was still wearing her skiing equipment, couldn’t escape time. Struck by the huge rear-end collision of snow, she was once again buried in her original position. 

At the same time, Natsumi’s figure appeared from snow scattered by the impact. It seemed that she had tumbled down from the snowy slopes and rolled down here like a huge snowball.

“H-hey, are you guys alright?”

Shidou hurriedly shouted as he helped the two of them get back up.

“U-uh……”

“Ouch, it hurts……”

Kotori and Natsumi rubbed their respective foreheads after the collision. Afterwards, Natsumi looked away in embarrassment.

“……S-sorry……”

“…………”

Natsumi apologized, but Kotori did not raise her voice──

Rather, she clutched onto Natsumi.

“Fuhah!?”

Having likely not expected this behavior, Natsumi voice fell into disarray. However, Kotori didn’t heed this as she continued to hug Natsumi.
“That’s right, this is normal. Thank you, Natsumi. Let’s make progress together……”

“Huh? Ha……huh!?”

Natsumi’s eyes changed into blank dots as she was unable to understand this intent.

Miku, who arrived late to his scene, let out an “Ara!’ as her eyes glistened with a brilliant shine. 

        
◇

For a while, Shidou and the others enjoyed the snowy vacation to their hearts content.

The beginner’s group continued to practice repeatedly with the gentle slopes, while the seniority group such as Origami and the Yamai sisters moved on to more difficult courses.

Although Yoshino and Tohka were beginners, they already had the skills needed to move on to a more challenging course. But out of worry for Kotori, Natsumi, and Miku, they decided to help Shidou with his one-to-one lesson.

The results were worthwhile. After about three hours, everyone’s skiing movements became more on an even level……well, because of Tohka’s coaching strategy of “don’t think, feel”, Kotori seemed to have suffer a lot trying to grasp the nuances.

“──Fu, everyone seems to have improved a lot. In that case, we should have no problem with slopes that are slightly steeper.”

“Yeah, thanks to your efforts. ──Even so, let’s continue tomorrow. The clouds are looking more ominous now.”

While speaking, Kotori removed her goggles to look up at the sky. Indeed, there were thicker clouds gathering compared to before as the wind began to blow. It was said that weather conditions can change drastically in the mountainside, so it would be better to return early just to be safe. Shidou gently nodded in agreement.

“You have a point. ──Hey, everyone, let’s head back──”

As Shidou called out to them, Yoshino, Natsumi, and Tohka who were seen nearby all turned around.

“Huh? Where did Miku go?”

“Ah……a while ago after learning how to ski alone, she went towards to lift……”

As Yoshino pointed to the snowy slopes above, Shidou scratched his cheeks. 

“I see……well, she should be skiing down soon. I’ll wait here while everyone else heads back first. Origami and the others are also still on this mountain. I’ll head back after gathering everyone together.”

“Un……I understand. But be careful, alright?”

“Ah, I know.”

As Shidou waved his hand good-bye, Kotori and the others walked back towards the direction of the cottage.

“Well then, where would they……”

After seeing off Kotori’s group, Shidou looked back towards the slopes above. The beginners and advanced courses were sandwiched in between each other by some trees. Miku and Origami’s group should arrive at the same intersection after they were finished skiing. 

Not long after, Origami and the Yamai sisters competed skiing down from the superior snow course. Looking at it, it was the same graceful movements as always.

Then, after quickly noticing from Shidou’s positon, the three of them wordlessly stopped at his side.

“Shidou.”

“Kuku, it’s must be exhausting for you to toil and greet us here. Our skiing technique is akin to catching sight of the Goodness of snow.”

“Question. Where are the others?”

“Ah, it’s already been a while and the weather seems to be getting worse. They went back first. When Miku arrives, we should also return back to the cottage. 

After he finished explaining, the three of them nodded in agreement.

“Indeed, there are many clouds now in the sky.”

“Fu……ah, it started snowing.”

“Astonishment. Really. The wind is getting stronger. It may be better to head back soon.”

As the three of them spoke, the weather deteriorated in the blink of an eye. An announcement was heard coming from the various speakers scattered through the ski resort, warning everyone that the weather was growing more dangerous and to return back to the facilities. 

“Hey, hey, are you serious? Where did Miku go……huh?”

As Shidou looked up at the mountain fretfully, a small light purple outfit appeared at the corner of his sight──it was the same outfit worn by Miku.

For a moment, Shidou thought that Miku was skiing down here. However, he was wrong. Miku was not on the well-maintained ski slopes, but rather across a mountain fence that was prohibited from entry.

Moreover, Miku’s current location was surrounded by steep slopes. If her foot slipped, then it was very likely that she would fall into the depths of the forest. 

“What is she doing there? It’s too dangerous──”

Halfway through, Shidou’s words came to a halt. Despite it being hard to see due to poor visibility, there was one more person other than Miku. Miku had grabbed onto a tree with one hand, while using the other one to hold onto a little girl who was about to fall off the mountain. 

“This is──!”

“Don’t tell me she’s trying to save that child……!?”

“Reckless. She’ll also fall over at this rate.”

The moment Yuzuru said this, Miku pulled the girl up to a nearby tree. However, at the same time, the snow underneath her feet collapsed, causing her body to roll down to the trees below.

“Kiyaaaaah!?”

“M-Miku!?”

Shidou cried out in panic. However, Miku did not stop as she disappeared into the forest underneath the steep slope.

“Ku──!”

Before even thinking, his body instinctively moved. Shidou forced his ski poles up and slid towards the direction where Miku had disappeared. 

“Shidou, wait a minute. It’s too dangerous.”

“Tracking──it can’t be helped, let’s follow. However, it’s not good for everyone to chase after. Please save that girl, Kaguya.”

“I-I know. You guys be careful too!”

Feeling a familiar voice come from behind, Shidou found Origami and Yuzuru chasing after him.

“Y-you two……!”

“If there is only one person searching, you may be in danger as well. I will go as well.”

“Consent. Shidou frequently moves without thinking first. Well, it’s not as if it’s bad.”

“……Sorry, I can’t thank you enough……”

As words of gratitude squeezed out from his throat, Shidou and the others crossed the fence marked with no entry and entered the woods.

Then, after some time had passed──right in front, they found Miku collapsed down face first.

“Miku! Are you alright?”

As Shidou skied to her side, Miku weakly raised her face. 

“Ah……darling……that girl……”

“It’s okay. Kaguya went to save her.”

“Is that so……uh──”

While in the middle of speaking, Miku distorted her expression in pain.

“W-what’s wrong?”

“Let me check.”

As Shidou began to panic, Origami stepped forward from the side to touch Miku’s feet.

“There are no abnormalities in her bones. I believe the snow and trees served as a cushioning effect, but it is still probably difficult to walk alone.”

“Alright……I understand. Origami, Yuzuru, can I leave mine and Miku’s skis to you?”

After saying that, Shidou took off his skis and crouched down with his back facing Miku.

“Let’s go, Miku.”

“Eh, darling……”

“What’s wrong, you don’t have to be polite at a time like this.”

As Shidou said with a wry smile, Miku blushed and mutter out a “then, excuse me”, as she grabbed onto Shidou’s back.

In that moment, Miku’s chest, which could still be felt through her thick ski jacket, was clearly felt pressed against his back. Even during this urgency, Shidou couldn’t help ignore this as an unintentional “uh” groan leaked out from his throat.

“Ah, am I too heavy?”

“No……it’s not that.”

“…………”

“…………”

As Shidou gave back an ambiguous reply, Origami and Yuzuru seemed to have guessed the reasons as they half-closed their eyes. 

“Shidou, my feet are sprained as well.”

“Agreement. Yuzuru also.”

“……Yes, yes, let’s go back to the cottage now.”

Shidou stood back on his feet while carrying Miku on his back. Since they were far from the regular slopes, their current whereabouts were not known right now. But, if they simply retraced their steps, they should be able to find their way back. 

However, the key issue was the weather. By the time Shidou and the others found Miku down the mountain, the snow and wind had grown stronger, a possible precursor to the blizzard to come. 

“Ku, if it continues like this, we won’t be able to see what’s up ahead.”

“I will take the lead, followed then by Shidou and immediately afterwards Yuzuru.” 

“Understood. Please leave it to me, Master Origami.”

As Origami and Yuzuru finished discussing, they sandwiched themselves in between Shidou and Miku. 

“A-are you okay, Origami?”

“I have finished training in the snow before. Leave it to me.”

As Origami finished speaking, she kept looking in ahead while giving a thumbs up. In return, Shidou smiled and whispered out, “as expected of you……”

“Mu……Shidou and the others are late.”

Tohka, who had returned back to the cottage early, looked out the window to see the sky worsening with a worried look.

That’s right. The condition outside was now regarded as a snowstorm, but Shidou and the others still have not returned yet.

“Well, they shouldn’t be far from here. I think they should be okay, but……”

As Kotori was speaking, the sound of a door opening came from the entrance of the cottage. 

“! Is it Shidou!?”

Opening her eyes, Tohka fled to the front door. Kotori, Yoshino, and Natsumi quickly followed suit. 

Then, standing there was Kaguya, covered head to toe in snow with a little girl in tow. ──However, there was no one there behind her.

“Mu……Kaguya? What happened to everyone? Who is that girl?”

As Tohka asked, Kaguya shook her body like a wet dog, flicking off snow at the entrance. Then, she let out a loud voice in panic.

“Ah, this is bad. Miku is──”

Not using her usual exaggerated tone, Kaguya gave a brief description of the situation.

Hearing what she had said, Tohka and the others rounded their eyes.

“W-what……! Shidou and the others entered the snowy mountains!?”

“Really……what were they thinking……!”

Then, they turned their eyes to the girl who Kaguya had brought back.

“Do you mind waiting in the cottage for the time being? We’ll contact your family soon.”

“Y-yes. That……”

“What’s wrong?”

“That nee-san……please save her. I haven’t thanked……”

As that girl gave a look that was about to burst into tears, Kotori stroked her head and said “leave it to us”, as she took her to the fireplace. 

Then, after returning back with a difficult look, she continued speaking in a soft voice.

“──Anyway, let’s contact the ski resort first. Just in case, <Ratatoskr> will also build a search party.”

“……B-but, can we search properly in this weather……? No, even if <Ratatoskr> sends a rescue team on the way, aren’t everyone currently focused on the renovations for <Fraxinus>?  How long will it take for the search team to arrive here……?”

Listening to Kotori’s words, Natsumi made a difficult face as she spoke. Kotori wrinkled her brow in response.

Indeed, it was just as Natsumi had said. Even as they were talking, the blizzard was growing stronger. If left alone too long, Shidou and the others may freeze to death.

“What should we do──”

Then, Yoshino, who had been silent up until now, timidly raised her hand.

“Ah, that……Kotori-san.”

“? What’s wrong, Yoshino?”

“That……can you leave it to me?”

“Eh?”

As Kotori slanted her head, Yoshino passed through Kaguya, coming to the blizzard outside of the room. Icy crystals violently struck her petite body. 

Yoshino wasn’t in the slightest flustered by this as took a prayer-like posture, quietly moving her lips.

“Please……I want to save Shidou-san and the others……please lend me your strength.”

Then, as if responding to her words, Yoshino’s body gave off a faint glow──a coat-like attire covered her entire body.

Afterwards, in front of Yoshino, a huge white rabbit doll appeared.

“This is──”

“……<Zadkiel>!?”

Tohka and Kotori uttered in surprise. That’s right; the Angel <Zadkiel>, which can manipulate water and cold air.

Yoshino gently nodded as she straddled <Zadkiel>, placing both of her hands on its back.

At that moment, the red eyes of <Zadkiel> lit up as a cold air barrier began to develop around its surroundings. 

It was as if an invisible dome had formed around <Zadkiel>. Indeed, it seemed likely to proceed in this snowstorm.

“Yoshino!”

“……!”

As Tohka called out her name, Yoshino silently nodded back.

“Ku……it really is cold……”

Walking though blizzard while carrying Miku on his back, Shidou could help but feel his face strain from bitter cold air. There wasn’t much feeling left in his hands or feet either. In this manner, he could have exhausted all of his strength before arriving at the cottage. 

“──Shidou, look.”

Then, Origami, who was walking ahead, had raised her voice. Shidou raised his face in response to that voice──letting out an “ah” sound as he opened his eyes.

In front of them, there was a building resembling a mountain hut.

“We’re saved.”

Origami uttered that brief reply while heading to the direction of the hut. Then, after destroying the lock on the door in an extremely natural movement, she beckoned for Shidou and the others to come.

“Y-you……”

“Life is more important than morality.”

Indeed, it was just as Origami had said. Shidou chanted in his mind about reimbursements later as he entered the mountain hut.

Just being able to hide from the snowstorm was a relief for the body. He was grateful for having a shelter with a roof from the snow and wind. Shidou gently let Miku down as he breathed out a sigh of relief.

Despite having said that, the coldness remained unchanged. They would suffer from hypothermia at this rate.

“I-is there any heating appliance here……?”

“Discovery. There is a wood-burning stove, but there isn’t any fire at the bottom.”

“Fire……huh. I don’t have a lighter on me……”

Shidou gave a distressed look. Then, Origami pulled out some firewood from the stove, taking out from her pocket, a small flashlight, tissue paper, a small aluminum wrapper used for chewing gum. 

“Origami……?”

“Leave it to me.”

Origami briefly replied as she shredded the aluminum wrapper into thin pieces. Then, she pressed it against the ends of the battery taken out from the flashlight. Afterwards, the central part of the aluminum paper began to emit smoke. 

She used to the tissue paper to ignite the fire as she threw both into the stove. Not long after, the firewood in the stove was ignited as Shidou and the others’ shadows flickering beside the fireplace.

“Ohhh!?”

“Admiration. It’s wonderful, Master Origami.”

“Kya! How lovely, Origami.”

As Shidou and the others gave words of praise, Origami’s expression remained unchanged as she gave a small nod.

“First steps in survival.”
Anyway, it seemed that they could at least warm up this way. Shidou and the others gathered around the stove and held out their hands.

Soon, he was able to move his frozen hands once again. Shidou breathed out another sigh of relief.

“Ha……thank you, Origami, Yuzuru. If it wasn’t for you guys, Miku and I might have frozen to death.”

“Thank you very much. Although it’s foolish not to be with Darling, I would rather a bed call for me rather than heaven.”

As Shidou and Miku both spoke, Origami and Yuzuru both shook their heads as if not caring about that.

“It should stop snowing overnight. We better stay here until the weather settles down.”

“Agreement. Besides, Kaguya should have informed Kotori and the others. Help should be on the way.”

“Ah, that’s right. I guess we’ll manage for a night.”

“Yes. Ufufu, it may be unscrupulous, but isn’t this a little bit exciting. Doesn’t this happen often in manga──stories of men and woman confined in a mountain shelter together……”

Then.

Before Miku could finish speaking, the edges of his brow shook as if noticing something.

No, it wasn’t just Miku. Origami and Yuzuru also twitched their eyebrows as they exchanged a look with each other.

“We’re in a very dangerous situation now. We need to do the utmost efforts in order to ensure survival.”

“Consent. Even if something happens, it’s a force majeure.”

“That’s right. If it is for the sake of survival……”

“Hmm……?”

For a split second, Shidou looked numbingly at the three of them. But then, after remembering something, he took out his phone from his ski suit.

That’s right. If there was a signal here, he could get in touch with Kotori.

“Oh, the signal is weak……but with this.”

While mumbling that out, he dialed Kotori’s number from the contact’s list.

“Shidou! Where are you!”

“Yuzuru──! If you can hear me, please respond!”

The sun had already completely set. In the darkened snowy mountain, Kotori and the others were searching for Shidou’s group while being protected by the boundary of <Zadkiel>. 

That being said, the snowstorm made for poor visibility and since sound could not traverse that far, the search still progressed difficulty.

“Ku……as expected, they won’t be easy to find.”

“No……don’t give up. Let’s try the other side.”

“Un, yeah. ──Uh, huh?”

Kotori cried out suddenly as she reached into her pocket of her ski suit──the phone inside her pocket was shaking.

She thought for a moment it was the search team she had requested from <Ratatoskr>, but──

This was different. The name written on the screen of the phone was “Onii-chan”.

“Shidou!”

“What!?”

“Is it……Shidou-san!?”

Responding back to Kotori’s voice, Tohka and the others exposed a stunned look. Kotori hurriedly pressed the phone against her ear.

“Shidou! Where are you guys right now!? Are you guys alright!?”

“Ah……sorry to make you worried. Did Kaguya arrive at the cottage?”

“Yes, that girl is fine.”

“That’s a relief……we’ve managed to find a mountain hut here. Since there is a stove, at least we won’t die from freezing. For the time being, we’re staying here until the snowstorm stops.”

From the other end of the phone, it was a robust voice heard contrary to expectations. Kotori breathed a sigh of relief before turning to Tohka and the others.

“They are fine. They are now hiding in a mountain hut together.”

“Oh, is that so!”

“Kaka, it seems they are still loved by the goddess of fortune.”

“I’m……glad.”

The Spirits all breathed a collective sigh of relief as their tense expressions relaxed. 

But why? Only Natsumi’s face still had a difficult expression somehow. Well, it was slightly different than her usual gloomy look……Kotori slanted her head curiously.

“……? What’s wrong, Natsumi?”

“No……Shidou just told you that they were staying in the mountain hut, right? Waiting until the snow stopped……”

“Well, yeah……”

“……Then, doesn’t that mean he’ll be spending the entire night in a closed room together with Origami, Yuzuru, and Miku?”

“Ha……!?”

Kotori shuddered upon being reminded of this.

Indeed, it was just like what Natsumi had said. Right now, Shidou was together with the Ultimate Stalker Origami, the Demon Seed Yuzuru who looked up to her as a master, and the Crazy Pelorist of Terror Miku.

Those three and Shidou were locked together in a closed room, given the excuse to bring their bodies closer together. It was a thrilling situation preeminent overnight in the suspension bridge effect.

Such a thing was just like release a trembling rabbit into the same cage with a tigress, lioness, and leopardess. Even if Shidou’s life was saved, his chastity was now in danger. Kotori clenched her phone in panic.

“Shidou! You have to be careful! It’s important to keep your willpower strong!?”

“Ha? What are you talking about……huh? Hey, hey, why are you get closer, Origami? Even Yuzuru and Miku as well……!?”

“Shidou!? Shidou!?”

“Eek, wait a──”

At that moment, the connection to the call was cut off.

In her hands, the phone gave off two merciless beeps as Kotori’s face grew paler. 

“W-what’s wrong, Kotori? Did something happen to Shidou?”

As Tohka inquired with uneasiness, Kotori looked up after quickly placing her phone in her pocket.

“It’s dangerous to leave Shidou as it is now! Yoshino! Can you widen the barrier!? Something terrible will happen if we don’t find Shidou as soon as possible!”

“I-I understand. I’ll do my best……!”

In response to Kotori’s command, Yoshino hurriedly began to operate through <Zadkiel>. <Zadkiel> raised its head with the tips of its fur beginning to stand upright.

Then, at that moment, a terrible “gaaaaaaaah” scream echoed from the distance.

“Eh?”

Kotori rounded her eyes at this unexpected situation.

“H-hey, what are you──”

Although he was momentarily shocked looking at the three of them, Shidou quickly held in his breath.

There were only four people staying in this mountain hut: Shidou, Origami, Yuzuru, and Miku. Although it depended on the weather, in the worst case scenario they would have to wait until dawn.

Yes──among the Spirits in the hyperactive faction, these three girls were carnivores.

“…………”

The three “predators” slowly turned their eyes to Shidou.

Shidou’s back, which should have been slightly warmer, was now full of cold sweat.

“──Shidou, are you cold? Do you need contact with human skin? How many square centimeters do you need?”

“……I-I’m fine. It’s already warm thanks to Origami igniting the stove…...” 

“Proposal. Those wet clothes will keep your body cold. Now let’s take them off to let it dry.”

“N-no, you see, ski clothes are waterproof, so there’s no need to do that……”

“Then, darling, aren’t you tired from skiing all day? I’ll keep watch while you take a nap.”

“M-Miku, are you sleepy? Since I’m awake, don’t you want to take a nap?”

From the right, Origami, from the left, Yuzuru, and from behind, Miku, everyone softly whispered to Shidou

To be honest, even with the stove on, it was still very cold. He wanted to dry the clothes that were dampened by snow and sweat. His body was tired to the point where he would fall asleep if he lied down just for a couple of seconds. However, if he did any of that, what they would do next under the cause of emergency refuge would be completely unpredictable. 

Moreover, it was troublesome that due to a possible tribal preservation instinct, his heart was racing faster than usual due to having just experienced a life crisis. Coupled with the low judgment caused by hypothermia and drowsiness, it made him feel that he really wanted to leave his body to Origami and the others.

“……N-no……”

Shidou shook his head to encourage himself and reaffirm his willpower. 

However, as if to scoff at such resistance, Origami pulled on Shidou’s hand.

“Sure enough, your hand is cold. It’s better to warm up.”

“O-oh yes, it’s would be good to add some firewood.”

“There’s a limit to doing that. Leave it to me.”

After saying that, Origami grabbed Shidou’s hand while slowly pulling down the zipper off her ski suit. Then, she guides his hand through her clothes.

“W-where are you trying to warm my hands?”

“When hands are cold, it’s effective to pinch them in between the armpits.”

“Even if it’s like that!”

Shidou screamed as his face was completely flustered. 

Then, as if remembering something, Yuzuru fetched out what appeared to be packaged hard candy from her pockets.

“Question. Is Shidou hungry?”

“Huh? Well, it would be a lie to say that I’m not, but……”

After Shidou replied, Yuzuru gave a slight nod as she placed the candy into her mouth. Then, after rolling it in her mouth for a few seconds, she opened her mouth.

“Come, don’t be polite.”

While saying so, she closed her eyes as if anticipating a kiss. Seeing that lascivious look, Shidou could help but sweat. 

“N-no……I’m not hungry. I’m not hungry at all.”

“Hey, hey, what to do, what to do……♪”

Hearing that gentle melody, Shidou felt his eyelids grow heavier.

“…………”

But while listening to that voice, the next words of “Ufufu……good night Darling” arrive at his ears, Shidou forced his eyes open.

“…………Ha! M-Miku! That was a foul trick!”

“Huh? What’s wrong? It’s fine. Let everyone sleep. I’ll keep watch for the night.”

After seeing Miku say that with a slight demonic smile, Shidou felt his face strained by a shudder.

Anyway, he couldn’t sleep. In this situation, he absolutely couldn’t expose an unguarded posture in front of the three of them.

“……! That is.”

Having seemingly discovered something, Origami went to the corner of the hut to retrieve it.

“Shidou, there’s a blanket. ──One piece only.”

“……!”

Both Yuzuru and Miku reacted to what Origami had said.

Then, the three of them exchanged glances with each other as they began to force their way to Shidou. 

“This will keep you warm.”

“Agreement. This is the blessing of heaven.”

“There’s only one way to do this. We can’t be unfair to everyone.”

“Even for four people, it should fit nicely if we bring our bodies closely together.”

“Proposal. In order to squeeze out even a little bit more space, we should take off our clothes.”

“Kya! Yuzuru-san has a nice idea!”

As the three of the finished their negotiations, they all turned their eyes to him. Shidou felt his shoulders tremble in fear.

“Y-you three use the blanket. I’ll just use this stove──”

Just as Shidou spoke, Origami momentarily left the mountain hut, bringing back snow from the outside that she then threw into the stove. 

“Hey!?”

Accompanied by a fizzing sound……the fire in the stove became completely extinguished. Shidou couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

“W-what are you doing, Origami? Now how will we last until morning?”

“Low body temperature can lead to low judgment. Origami mistake.”

“You look clear headed to me!?”

“It doesn’t matter. Both the batteries and silver paper remain. There should be no problem re-igniting the firewood after taking it out.”

“A-alright, then let’s hurry up……”

“But, in order to do this, it will take time for the stove to dry. During that time, we need to keep warm.”

As Origami finished, she spread out the blanket she had picked up.

Matching that movement, Miku and Yuzuru positioned themselves at both of Origami’s sides.

The three of them pulled the blanket over their shoulders, pulling down their zippers of the skis suit and exposing their bare white bosoms as if to beckon Shidou closer.

“Come, Shidou.”

“Tempt. Please come here, Shidou.”

“Come warm up, darling.”

Origami, Yuzuru, and Miku spoke in turn in a gentle voice.

In the hut, where the temperature was rapidly dropping without the warmth of the stove, this call had an irresistible pull.

“Ah……ahh……”

Having experienced the warmth from the stove, Shidou let out a weak gasp. He slowly took a step forward, reaching out to the direction of those three like a moth tempted by a flame. 

But at that moment.

Suddenly, the sound of an earthquake resounded as the mountain hut creaked and swayed.

“W-what happened……!?”

The sudden anomaly awakened Shidou’s conscious mind, which had begun to become blurred. Then, as if to match that terrible sound, the roof of the mountain hut was blown away.

“Hey!?”

Shidou’s eyes were pried opened. This was impossible. Although the structure was a lot simpler than an ordinary house, the roof of this hut was not so simple to be easily destroyed. That is──unless it was caused by a record typhoon.

But even more bizarre than that, snowfall didn’t pass through the now completely exposed roof. 

Instead──a strange thing was seen outside.

“Is that……a snowman……?”

Shidou whispered in shock. Yes, a snowman with rabbit-like ears was standing outside.

The question mark attached onto his face was a matter of course. After all, there was a large block of snow at around ten meters.

“What in the world, this is……”

“──Shidou!”

A familiar voice was heard as Shidou’s eyesight concentrated onto a single point.

Looking carefully, that snowman was sitting in front of Tohka and Kotori. Behind it, it seemed that Yoshino had manifest <Zadkiel>──at the center, swirling the cold air into a whirlpool. 

Shidou quickly understood what was happening now.

That’s right. Yoshino had used <Zadkiel> to collect all of the snow from the storm and shape it into a giant snowman. The evidence for this was how the blizzard was continuing on a few hundred meters away.

Apparently, they had come to help Shidou and the others. In this very crisis, Shidou breathed a sigh of relief. 

However.

“You──what are you doing, Shidou!”

Looking at the appearance of Origami and the others in front of him, Kotori raised her voice inside out.

“Yuzuru!? And Origami and Miku as well……why are you dressed in that form!?”

“……Wow, t-this sort of arrangement……it’s not just overwhelming, but also completely different.”

“Something like this……Shidou-san……”

“N-no, it’s not like that! This could be described as an emergency refuge or an unavoidable circumstance──”

“……Yoshino, let that guy cool his head down.”

“Okay.”

“Wait──”

As <Zadkiel> let out a roar, the pillar of snow above collapsed onto Shidou’s direction.